So here is the promised part 2 of the tree project and I am just amazed at how it has turned out, what I’ve learned, and how I’ve seen the Lord work through a simple thing as painting a tree.
To begin, I need to describe the kind of tree we chose. We wanted to choose a tree that has a significant meaning to it. After looking at different trees and their symbolism we found this incredible looking tree but didn’t know what kind it was. There is a married couple (Heidi and Joe) who are volunteering long term here and they have lived in Okinawa, Japan for many years. Well, once Heidi saw the picture she said it was a Gajumaru tree and they are common in Japan. Intrigued, I inquired further and we did some research on this kind of tree and how it grows. These trees can live hundreds of years because the roots can grow from either the trunk or the branches, so the tree becomes more established over time. How cool olis that symbolism?! This tree is long lasting because so many different roots make up the whole of the tree and keep it through thick and thin.
The children who stay at this home have had many negative influences in their lives. Family who for one reason or another can’t take care of them or won’t, and who could sell them in order to make money for the family. Even if it never happens the fact that their family might sell them causes a negative affect in self worth. I wrote a poem about the tree and about all the symbolism connected with how what we learn, and what happens to us creates roots in our lives. As we grow in wisdom and freedom we realize that the Lord is the master gardener who can uproot any negative root in our lives – we don’t have to allow them to stay. But growing up most of us don’t know that yet. Read the poem and I’ll explain more:
How does it start
The making of a tree?
A seed alone in the dark
Not knowing you or me
But feeling a spark
Budding the surface to the sun, rain, wind or snow
Rooting downward to whatever lies below
And here is where it will show:
Growth
The signs of life
Living is what it wants to do
It does not know health or strife
Only I am I and you are you
It may be planted far from the waters
It may be just surviving
Then a root goes down deep
And tastes what it has been lacking:
Hope
Could it be life is more than just living?
Roots are you and me
Them and she
Roots are lessons we have learned
Fights we have won
Or relationships that have been burned
And hurt that is done
Roots that give life are sure and fast
They can withstand the rain
And make it past
The turmoil and pain
Growth takes time
Roots go down deep
So plant change with trust and love
And in the gardener’s hands they will keep
This is just a picture of the real one outside
It’s meant to point you back
To whom you can confide
Remember where you’ve come from
Remember where you’re going
Remember the one who keeps you
And helps you in your growing
So be blessed all who enter here
And remember most of all
If in the Father’s hands you stay
You’re never far from home
As you can see from the picture, this tree was painted on a wall with names of previous teams and volunteers who have helped at this ministry. People like our hosts, Mark and Kerry, long term volunteers like Heidi and Joe, the house parents who are there loving and caring for these children day in and day out, and people like us who are there for a short while. All of us have the potential to be a root in their lives to create change and freedom. Roots are also circumstances and choices that we make within the circumstances. As better and stronger roots replace the damaging and rotting ones then the tree will be healthy.
I love symbolism for the fact that we get to pull real life applications from a seemingly unrelated thing. So here’s the application for you my friends: what roots are in your life? What roots have been there that you’ve had no control over, but that the Lord wants to grant you freedom in? What roots are you allowing to stay that are rotting? What roots are healthy and strong? What change do you want to see in your life? The master gardener is always around and willing and wanting to walk with you in freedom.
Keep the faith,
Malia
